Job search
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use a temp agency to find placement, as this can lead to full-time hiring and long-term career growth.
One person was hired full-time after a year and worked their way up over 16 years.
- This is based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Apply to 2-4 jobs consistently each day rather than binge-applying to many at once.
Binge-applying can lead to burnout from rejection.
3 people, independently
- Limit your application speed to ensure you are tailoring your resume and sending cover letters for each role.1
Check job availability before choosing a degree path.
Getting a dream degree with few jobs is a waste of money.
one person who lived it
Treat job hunting as a full-time job by sitting down from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday to search for and apply to jobs.
This approach helped one person get their full-time job.
one person who lived it
- Treat job hunting as a full-time commitment by dedicating 8 to 10 hours daily to applying, researching, and visiting stores.1
Continue interviewing and applying for other jobs until you have a signed contract offer in hand.
Until you have a contract, you have nothing; employers have multiple candidates and may not choose you.
- Attend all scheduled interviews even if you have already been hired elsewhere.
3 people, independently
jobs, apply, work, applying47
Regularly check for job openings even when your current position is stable.
Apply for positions higher than your current support or entry-level roles.
It may not hurt to try.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Take an entry-level job in a field like social media to learn skills inside a company, rather than staying in low-skill jobs where you learn little.
One person reported this helped them see their next path, even if they didn't enjoy the job.
- The job may not be enjoyable.
one person who lived it
Set strict boundaries for your job search, such as stopping when your designated workday ends, to maintain balance.
Treating it like a job includes knowing when to leave 'work'.
one person who lived it
Apply to jobs you do not want first to build confidence and reduce nervousness for desired roles, though some argue this wastes others' time.
It helps you become more prepared for interviews at places you really want.
- Some advise against this because it wastes the time and effort of others.
2 people, independently
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Humble yourself and accept lower-paying jobs initially to get a foot in the door, then work hard to advance.
These roles can turn out to be great entry points into a field.
one person who lived it
Regularly check for job openings even when your current position is stable.
It serves as practice for interviews, helps gauge if you are compensated properly, and prevents market value drop associated with redundancy.
4 people, independently
Consider contract-to-hire positions, accepting potentially lower initial pay for the chance at full-time employment.
It can lead to full-time status with benefits, though outcomes vary.
- One person reported getting a pay cut upon conversion to full-time.
one person who lived it
Apply to a high volume of jobs using a shotgun approach, treating it as a numbers game where persistence is key.
Rejection rates are high, and unless you are highly skilled with sought-after skills, getting offers may require hundreds of applications.
2 people, independently
Spend 10 hours a day looking for work by applying both online and in person at the locations of interest.
Success depends on timing and immediate need in the current economy.
one person who lived it
Accept lower-paying co-op or temporary roles as a springboard to gain experience and move up later.
they serve as a springboard
one person who lived it
Ask people around you, including students, friends, and acquaintances, for job leads, even those who seem unlikely to help.
One person found a nice job in a bookstore this way.
one person who lived it
If you have stable full-time employment, look for new jobs to boost your confidence and reduce the pressure of interviews.
Knowing that absolute rejection is not a big deal makes you more confident.
one person who lived it
Be realistic about your skill sets and only apply for jobs that match your qualifications.
Applying for jobs where your skills do not match the description will result in rejection.
one person who lived it
Verify a friend's work ethic before recommending them for a job.
You are held responsible if they perform poorly.
one person who lived it
Temporarily take a low-skill job, such as cashier work, while job hunting to maintain cash flow and stretch savings.
It provides income while looking for better employment.
one person who lived it
If you feel stuck, try applying for a role completely outside your comfort zone and without direct experience.
Trying new things prevents standing still and can lead to significant career progression.
one person who lived it
Get any job immediately to restore a sense of normalcy, then work out your long-term career desires.
Action provides the answers you are looking for.
one person who lived it
Focus on being stronger than the next best candidate rather than meeting every single requirement.
You only need to beat the competition, similar to running faster than the person behind you rather than the bear.
2 people, independently
If you perform work beyond your original job description, use the saved posting as evidence to negotiate a raise or promotion.
It provides concrete proof that your current pay does not match your expanded level of work.
one person who lived it
Conduct job interviews while you are still employed.
Having a current job allows you to be care-free, light, and nonchalant, exploring options without desperation.
one person who lived it
Selectively involve only friends who understand the complexity of your situation in your job hunt.
Avoid dealing with well-intentioned people who will not quite 'get it'.
one person who lived it
Use job agencies to get started if you are struggling to find work independently.
3 people, independently
Apply for jobs even if you do not meet the qualifications, as the cost is minimal and it may lead to unexpected opportunities or training support.
It is free and costs little time; some employers offer resources for missing credentials, and bias in resume reviews exists.
one person who lived it
- Apply for jobs even if you lack some requirements, as employers may be willing to train underqualified candidates.1
- Apply for jobs regardless of whether you meet the qualifications.1
Spend part of your job search time developing relevant skills and knowledge rather than only applying for jobs.
Self-improvement efforts can be noticed and appreciated by connections.
one person who lived it
Use your college's job placement programs to secure employment after graduation.
These programs have helped students find jobs.
one person who lived it
Take any available job, even unrelated ones, to stop being unemployed.
Being employed makes you much more desirable to future employers.
one person who lived it
Remain flexible regarding job titles and levels during the hiring process.
One person reported this approach led to a significant annual pay increase.
one person who lived it
Network extensively both online on platforms like LinkedIn and in person with people who know others in the field.
It is time-consuming but considered very well worth the effort for finding opportunities.
one person who lived it
Limit updates on your job search progress to immediate family or a very small circle.
Broadcasting failure to multiple people makes the failure hurt more; avoiding this reduces distractions.
one person who lived it
Contact a local recruiter to learn about the job application process.
Recruiters can explain that GPA is less important than having graduated.
one person who lived it
Apply again to desired positions intermittently while exploring other options to show persistence.
It shows that you are persistent and you have nothing to lose.
one person who lived it
Join a large company with nationwide offices to help with an internal transfer to a desired location after gaining experience.
One person secured their dream job in a target location and had moving expenses paid after working for such a company for a year.
one person who lived it
Apply for internal promotions even if you feel underqualified to gain experience and keep your name visible to managers.
You might get the position even if not completely qualified.
one person who lived it
Use excuses like picking someone up from the airport or doctor appointments when taking time off current work for interviews.
To maintain your current position until you secure another job.
one person who lived it
Use the private 'Open to Work' feature visible only to recruiters instead of changing your headline to 'looking for opportunities'.
Having 'looking for opportunities' in your headline might imply a potential layoff, which some recruiters view negatively.
2 people, independently
Ask a contact at a target company for the specific job code of an open position so they can refer you via the internal portal.
Referred applications receive different consideration.
one person who lived it
Apply for entry-level jobs even if they request years of experience, as many companies count a relevant degree toward those requirements.
Many companies assume a relevant degree equates to the required experience.
one person who lived it
When applying for federal jobs, look for positions that are unpopular or have been posted for a while.
Internal candidates usually get first crack at popular jobs; unpopular ones are more likely to open up to external applicants after internal passes.
one person who lived it
Highlight transferable skills learned from parenting, such as patience, prioritizing, and problem-solving.
These skills transfer readily into employment.
one person who lived it
Work diligently during temporary assignments to increase your chances of being hired permanently, especially if other employees quit.
Companies use temps for faster hiring, and strong performance can lead to offers when vacancies arise.
one person who lived it
If you are actively being interviewed and really want the position at a specific company, keep trying over multiple years.
one person who lived it
Call temp agencies every day to secure assignments, as they often instruct candidates to keep calling in.
Persistence is encouraged by the agencies themselves.
one person who lived it
Substitute related personal or freelance experience for specific industry experience when applying for jobs.
one person who lived it
Leverage knowledge in preferred qualifications to compensate for lacking other criteria.
Candidates with knowledge in one area may have a higher chance of getting hired if they are missing some other requirements.
one person who lived it
Apply continuously and extensively to various positions until you receive a callback.
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money, pay, jobs, job12
Consider foregoing part-time employment to focus entirely on your graduate studies.
Splitting your time might reduce the value of your degree and future career prospects; getting by with less money now could yield more later.
one person who lived it
Get any job, even menial ones like cleaning toilets, to earn money and gain the freedom to secure your own place.
It provides income and freedom.
one person who lived it
Recognize that living in small rural towns may make it nearly impossible to switch jobs or increase income without relocating.
Limited opportunities can trap workers in the same position for years with minimal raises.
one person who lived it
Do not rely solely on employment for financial stability, as low pay often requires side hustles to cover debts and consumption costs.
Being employed does not guarantee financial security when wages are low.
one person who lived it
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Accept that in competitive markets like the Bay Area, it is impossible to exhaust all available job openings.
The volume of opportunities makes complete exhaustion unfeasible in certain regions.
- Specifically noted for the Bay Area context.
one person who lived it
Be willing to accept average or slightly below-average pay if you are underqualified.
Your work may be outsourced; being lucky to have the job is a consideration.
one person who lived it
Recognize that skipping service industry jobs is a privilege many people do not have.
one person who lived it
Ignore experience requirements in entry-level job postings, as 'entry-level' typically refers to pay grade rather than actual skill level.
'Entry-level' means employers will pay you like you are new to the industry; requirements are often copied from templates without removal.
one person who lived it
Balance the quality of your applications with the quantity submitted; do not over-invest in every single one.
Crafting every application perfectly can lead to burnout and being ignored.
one person who lived it
Focus on yourself and your family over loyalty to a company.
one person who lived it
Understand that these companies primarily make money from hiring salespeople rather than selling products.
one person who lived it
If you find standing or manual labor difficult due to a disability, consider driving for Uber, as sitting for long periods may be easier.
one person who lived it
hiring, employers, employer, candidates50
Treat the list of required credentials in a job description as a wish list of ideal traits rather than a mandatory checklist.
Do not turn down other job offers based on a verbal promise from a temp-to-hire role until you have a written contract.
Verbal offers can be cancelled without notice, as one person experienced when their temp-to-hire offer was withdrawn.
- Common with temp jobs where written offers are delayed.
one person who lived it
Treat the list of required credentials in a job description as a wish list of ideal traits rather than a mandatory checklist.
The long list helps the company hire a well-rounded team and represents everything they could want.
3 people, independently
Never post negative comments about your current or past jobs online.
People have been fired over such posts, even if private, because coworkers might share them.
one person who lived it
Apply broadly to positions you want, as employers often lack clarity about their needs or misrepresent them in postings.
Employers may not know what they are looking for, may lie in applications, or may hire based on intuition rather than strict experience metrics.
one person who lived it
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Assume you are just one of several finalists until you receive your first paycheck.
Employers often show little regard for candidates' feelings during the hiring process.
one person who lived it
Make sure temp agencies do not charge you money.
A legitimate temp agency will never take money from you because you are their product, not their customer.
one person who lived it
If you lack good references or were fired, lie as little as possible.
Honesty is more important than perfection.
one person who lived it
- Always be honest about your qualifications and skills.1
Explicitly state that you are settling down permanently after recent moves.
This shows employers they can trust you to stick around.
one person who lived it
Do not give gifts to hiring managers before the hiring process is complete.
It may appear to be a bribe or raise questions about how you got the job, potentially leading to termination.
one person who lived it
Do not lie about having other job offers, as background checks may reveal the deception and lead to rescinded offers.
Employers verify employment history prior to start dates and may rescind offers if lies are discovered.
one person who lived it
Decline to provide race information on job applications.
One person reported getting more interview requests when doing so.
- One person noted this might not help if their surname gives away their ethnicity.
one person who lived it
Avoid using your current manager as a reference to prevent your current employer from finding out you are job hunting.
You want the potential employer to know you work there without risking discovery by your current job.
one person who lived it
Avoid applying to jobs over the weekend to reduce the risk of your resume being skipped during Monday bulk reviews.
Hiring managers often quickly review large piles of resumes on Mondays and may skip yours if it arrived over the weekend.
- Applicant tracking software may weed out resumes before human eyes see them regardless of timing.
- One anecdote suggests hiring managers may arbitrarily discard resumes based on superstition.
one person who lived it
Read your employee handbook to see if you will be paid through your notice period if they choose to let you go early.
one person who lived it
Accept that recruiters may alter your resume, such as by hiding contact info, if you submit to an agency, and decide if you are comfortable with this practice.
Recruiters hide contact details so clients do not contact candidates directly, which would cause the recruiter to lose their commission.
2 people, independently
Stop interviewing candidates after you have already sent out a job offer.
It wastes people's time.
one person who lived it
Ask recruiters directly about overtime expectations during the interview process.
Honesty about overtime can help you decide if the job is right for you; evasiveness or negative reactions are red flags.
one person who lived it
Be wary of recruiters who advertise one position but pivot to offering different roles, as they may be bait-and-switching to fill positions where they earn commissions.
Recruiters may claim you are not a match for the advertised job to steer you toward other roles that generate them a commission.
one person who lived it
Reconsider accepting a job offer if the employer is overly rigid about minor discrepancies in employment dates.
One person reported that such rigidity indicates serious underlying issues with the company.
one person who lived it
Expect salary counteroffer approvals to take longer than initial offers, especially if the requested amount exceeds standard ranges or requires multiple stakeholder reviews.
Higher salaries may require approval from department heads, finance partners, or even the CEO.
- Offers have been rescinded simply because the requested amount was above what the offer originally made.
one person who lived it
Recognize that some employer decisions may be based on petty preferences or mood, which is largely out of the applicant's control.
HR personnel may skip applicants based on mood, personality, or professionalism, which appears as luck from the applicant's perspective.
one person who lived it
Focus on demonstrating that you are a team player over showcasing superior technical skills.
Employers often prefer someone who reasonably knows what they are doing and is pleasant over a highly skilled but difficult person.
one person who lived it
Recognize that recruiters may be more flexible than hiring managers because they want to fill roles immediately to reduce their workload.
Recruiters prefer hiring the first qualified person to cut down on effort; they may convince managers that desired skills can be taught.
one person who lived it
Show appreciation to a hiring manager after being hired with a thank-you note or small gesture like donuts for coworkers.
This is considered a more appropriate tone than a personal gift.
one person who lived it
Never reveal desperation to an employer or colleagues during the hiring process or employment.
Revealing weakness shifts negotiation power against you, and co-workers may compete with you if they know you need employment.
one person who lived it
Be wary of headhunters who may pressure you to accept lower salaries.
Their compensation structure can incentivize this.
one person who lived it
Never pay money or incur unreimbursed expenses before officially accepting a job and completing onboarding.
Even positions requiring reimbursable expenses typically require you to complete orientation before acting on the company's behalf.
one person who lived it
When speaking to an external recruitment agency, state that you have only just started applying to avoid raising questions about why you have not found a position yet.
Suggesting a long search duration may cause curiosity regarding your employability.
- This advice may be more relevant for internal recruiters than external agencies.
one person who lived it
Act as if you are interviewing the company rather than just being interviewed by them.
One person reported receiving offers whenever they adopted this mindset.
one person who lived it
Research the company and prepare questions for the interview to demonstrate genuine interest in the organization rather than just wanting a paycheck.
Companies want to know you are interested in the company itself, not just the job.
one person who lived it
Expect that most companies will ghost applicants instead of sending rejection letters.
It requires zero effort or explanation from the employer.
one person who lived it
Ask a recruiter detailed questions about the role early on; end the interaction immediately if they cannot answer them or seem uninformed.
It exposes whether they know what they are talking about before you schedule an interview.
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Express gratitude to the company for reconsidering you, highlighting their willingness to go the extra mile as a sign of good culture.
It demonstrates the lengths the company will go to for employees.
one person who lived it
Send a thank-you card after an interview to remind the employer of your interest and differentiate yourself.
It can serve as a follow-up if HR delays the process or if the company does not inform rejected candidates, potentially differentiating you from competition.
one person who lived it
Focus on fitting the hiring manager's actual needs rather than checking every box in the HR job description.
HR descriptions often contain irrelevant details, but hiring managers have a specific vision for the role and may override HR requirements if they prefer your fit.
one person who lived it
Understand that some online job postings may not lead to interviews because they are already filled or posted for legal reasons.
Companies post jobs for various reasons, including complying with certain laws, even if they have already selected a person for the role.
one person who lived it
Do not contact employers before a deadline they have explicitly set for reaching out to candidates.
Doing so is considered impolite.
one person who lived it
Do not tell recruiters about other interviews you have scheduled, as they earn no commission on candidates already in the pipeline and may focus on their own submissions.
Recruiters make money on placements; if you are already interviewing elsewhere, they cannot earn a fee from that specific opportunity.
- If you possess highly valuable skills, revealing multiple interviews might encourage recruiters to compete with higher compensation offers.
one person who lived it
Avoid contacting employers immediately after submitting an application.
Immediate contact comes off as childlike, desperate, or lazy.
one person who lived it
State that you have flexibility regarding salary negotiations if you really need the position.
You might otherwise be rejected solely because your income requirements do not fit the company's standards.
one person who lived it
Be honest with a second employer about uncertainty regarding a first job to gauge their flexibility.
A relaxed response indicates a nice employer overall, while a rigid demand to choose immediately is a negative indicator.
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Highlight unrelated volunteering experience in interviews to demonstrate dedication and hard work.
Interviewers were shocked and impressed by this, viewing it as proof of dedication.
one person who lived it
Be honest about why you delayed responding to a job offer, explaining that another opportunity fell through or dragged its feet.
Honesty shows transparency and willingness to be open.
one person who lived it
Reject job offers from companies you do not know or have not spoken to in years, especially if they are Multi-Level Marketing organizations.
one person who lived it
Be aware that some interviewers may not be involved in the final decision and cannot provide accurate timelines.
Only recruiters and hiring managers know the dates.
one person who lived it
Ask many questions during the interview to demonstrate interest in joining the company.
Interviewers may consider you more favorably if you show interest.
one person who lived it
Avoid indicating interest in furthering your education on job applications or profiles.
It may result in unwanted calls from colleges.
one person who lived it
Anticipate slower communication from employers in late August and early September due to widespread vacations.
Many people are on vacation, leaving remaining staff working at reduced capacity, and key decision-makers may still be away.
one person who lived it
Consider that companies may advertise positions with impossible-to-meet requirements to fulfill H-1B visa obligations to demonstrate they failed to fill the position locally.
one person who lived it
call, interview, calls, avoid25
Set a professional voicemail greeting.
Ensure your voicemail box has enough capacity and works correctly to receive messages from potential employers.
A full or malfunctioning mailbox can cause you to miss calls from employers trying to schedule interviews.
- Spammers can fill mailboxes daily.
- Check iPhone voicemail settings specifically.
3 people, independently
Treat retail and fast food interviews with the same seriousness as a dream job interview.
They notice.
one person who lived it
Notify your references in advance when HR is calling so they can answer promptly and speak clearly.
Failure to answer multiple calls or inability to understand the speaker (e.g., language barriers) can lead to withdrawn offers.
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Inform your references ahead of time that you are using them to avoid surprising them.
People often forget this is okay to skip, leading to distressed and confused phone calls from references.
- Letting your reference know that you're fake checking them will upset them.
2 people, independently
- Contact your listed references beforehand to confirm they are willing to speak positively about you. If they seem unsure, remove them from your list.3
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Call in sick to attend a job interview.
You do not need to ask for permission, so this method always works.
one person who lived it
Write down a question and tell the interviewer you are doing so to stay on track with your answer.
Most people respect this initiative.
one person who lived it
Follow the specific file format instructions in the job posting.
Not following simple instructions is a primary reason for being ignored; candidates who follow rules are more likely to be interviewed.
one person who lived it
Do not call restaurants during peak lunch or dinner hours.
One employer stated they would discard applications from people who called at obviously bad times.
one person who lived it
Turn off or silence your phone completely during interviews; fiddling with it signals boredom and can cost you the offer.
Handling a phone makes you look bored, which leads to rejection.
one person who lived it
Be personable and yourself during interviews to avoid appearing robotic.
People do not want to hire robots.
one person who lived it
Set a professional voicemail greeting.
Inappropriate or novelty greetings can cause embarrassment or lead to lost interview opportunities.
4 people, independently
Avoid sending generic form letters for thank you notes; instead, personalize them to stand out.
Generic notes can come off as disingenuous.
- Do not guess interviewer contact details if they were not expressly provided.
one person who lived it
Send a message stating that you will proceed as discussed unless you hear otherwise.
This approach can move stalled projects ahead.
one person who lived it
Cover your monitor bezel with post-it notes containing cues for common questions, placing the most important ones next to the camera to maintain eye contact.
Reading from near the camera prevents your eye contact from betraying that you are reading notes.
one person who lived it
Call the employer to follow up on your application after submitting it.
One person reported never snagging an interview without this step.
one person who lived it
When approached by MLM recruiters, simply state that you are not interested and do not explain your reasons.
Recruiters are coached to specifically address objections.
one person who lived it
Avoid excessive follow-ups with employers, as this can make you appear annoying and pushy rather than professional.
It creates a negative impression of being unprofessional.
one person who lived it
Ask someone in a similar role for an informational interview to potentially secure a referral that bypasses early screening steps.
It may lead to a referral that allows you to skip initial hiring stages.
one person who lived it
Keep a balanced demeanor during interviews; avoid being overly talkative or too chummy.
Being overwhelming or too chummy can rub introverted interviewers the wrong way.
one person who lived it
Keep follow-up calls strictly polite and non-demanding, avoiding requests for immediate verdicts.
You will likely need to call them many times
one person who lived it
Save the corporate main office number in addition to individual recruiter numbers.
The calling ID often differs from the listed contact number.
one person who lived it
Clear your voicemail inbox regularly to ensure callers can leave messages.
Many people have full voicemail inboxes, which prevents new messages.
one person who lived it
Write down everything you remember immediately after an interview, including questions asked and your answers.
This can help improve your interview performance and provide context for subsequent rounds.
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Be skeptical of casual social invitations, such as dates, that turn out to be sales pitches for business opportunities.
one person who lived it
job, applications, save, application35
Keep a copy or screenshot of the job ad and details once you submit your application.
Submit applications directly through company websites or email instead of relying only on third-party job boards.
Some employers require direct applications even if you apply elsewhere, and third-party sites may sell your data or list jobs that don't exist.
- Some company websites do not have a place to apply.
4 people, independently
- Apply for jobs directly on the company’s internal system rather than third-party sites.1
- Apply for jobs only through the legitimate company's official website rather than third-party aggregators.1
Create a fallback plan or Plan B.
It helps reduce the impact of unexpected job rejections.
one person who lived it
Type responses in an external text editor and paste them into online application forms to prevent data loss from browser crashes or session timeouts.
Random internet crashes, page reloads, or site timeouts can cause you to lose all of your work.
one person who lived it
Track all job applications in an Excel spreadsheet synced with your phone.
It helps you stay on top of the process.
one person who lived it
- Keep a copy or screenshot of the job ad and details once you submit your application.6
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Store answers to common job application questions in a document or database to copy and paste for future applications.
It saves time on repetitive parts of the process.
- You may forget to customize answers for specific companies, leading to errors like mentioning the wrong company.
- Hiring managers can easily detect boilerplate answers that do not address their specific questions.
2 people, independently
- Fill out a detailed application perfectly once, then copy it to reference for future applications.1
Manually check for homophones like 'its' vs 'it's' and 'lead' vs 'led', as spell-checkers often miss these but recruiters will notice them.
Spell-check software does not catch these specific word differences.
one person who lived it
Record the exact start and end dates for every job you hold.
Dates are often needed for processes like buying a home or filing for unemployment.
one person who lived it
Consider whether you want to work for a company that discriminates based on the file type you use to save a text file.
Such discrimination suggests the company is problematic.
2 people, independently
Keep job search email alerts active after accepting a new job.
It saves the effort of setting them up again later.
one person who lived it
Use saved job descriptions to tailor interview answers and demonstrate understanding of the mission, values, and role.
It helps answer why you are right for the job, especially if mass applying, as it is hard to tailor answers from memory.
one person who lived it
Include a direct link to the job post in your application email.
It makes it easiest for the employer to locate the original listing and removes the need for you to remember details.
3 people, independently
Save application data in a searchable note-taking app to track applications across multiple sites and avoid duplicate submissions.
You can search by keyword to ensure you do not apply a second time.
one person who lived it
Copy and paste the entire job posting into a text document or your cover letter file to keep a local copy.
Job postings may disappear by the time employers contact you, making a local copy better than just a link.
one person who lived it
- Copy and save the text of job ads immediately, as they often disappear or become hard to find once candidates are invited.2
Be aware that ATS systems may filter out qualified candidates based on rigid criteria like degree requirements.
Computers may screen out applicants for not having a bachelor's degree despite significant supervisor and management experience.
one person who lived it
Join talent networks associated with VC job boards to receive notifications for relevant roles.
They send relevant role alerts similar to a recruiter, but without cost to the job seeker.
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Recognize that some job descriptions are written by people who do not understand the role or copy-paste generic requirements.
Hiring managers may not know how to write requirements, or HR may fail to translate their needs accurately.
3 people, independently
Reference the original job advertisement to correct employers who misrepresent your job title.
Having the ad prevents argument and can force them to create the correct position.
one person who lived it
Search for job qualifications and specific software skills rather than ambiguous job titles.
Job titles can be diverse and mean different things across companies, whereas searching for specific tools yields better results.
one person who lived it
Label saved job adverts by company name.
It enables easy searching for the files later.
one person who lived it
Google verbatim phrases from job descriptions found on aggregators to locate the original posting on the company’s site.
This helps you find the actual posting and potentially similar roles elsewhere.
one person who lived it
Write application answers in a separate window or program before copying them into the form.
It is easier to read than the tiny boxes on application forms and allows for spell checking before submitting.
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Save the job description to use its language and requirements when updating your resume for future applications.
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Save job descriptions locally in a folder on your laptop for easy access without needing internet or searching through emails.
They are easily accessible and do not require internet or email searches.
one person who lived it
List your education as 'in progress' (e.g., 'Bachelor's degree in progress') on automated systems to ensure specific keywords are picked up.
Automated systems look for specific words to filter applications.
one person who lived it
Search for unique phrases from job descriptions to identify the actual hiring entity and apply directly instead of through third-party recruiters.
Recruiters often copy-paste employer job descriptions verbatim.
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Enter experience numbers that fall within the stated range on applications to avoid auto-rejection by overzealous HR filters.
HR departments often use strict filters that automatically reject candidates whose entered numbers fall outside their specified range.
one person who lived it
Verify job postings on company websites instead of relying solely on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn listings are often auto-renewed or outdated compared to the actual company site.
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Save or print online job postings immediately after finding them.
Employers often remove listings once they have received enough applications or before interviews occur.
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Lock portfolio pages with required URL parameters to track views while preventing unauthorized access if the parameter is removed.
It ensures that only those with the correct link can view the content while allowing you to count visits by company or recruiter.
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Create separate tracking links for different companies or jobs to identify exactly which recruiters viewed your portfolio.
It allows you to pinpoint specific interest from individual companies or recruiters.
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work, skills8
Work third shift in retail to avoid big crowds while still earning money.
Most stores are generally quiet or closed at night.
- You will be up all night.
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Work the weekday night shift at a hotel front desk if your manager allows it.
Weekday night shifts often involve hours without customers, allowing you to do homework during paid time.
- Requires a manager who permits bringing homework and laptops.
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Get any job to set a routine and practice planning and execution.
It helps break isolation and builds the habit of structure.
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Work part-time shifts at a busy coffee shop with regulars to build social skills through low-stakes interactions, observing what feels genuine and building rapport.
It provides opportunities to test different ways of interacting and see what fits your personality.
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Take a customer service job after graduating to improve socializing skills and reduce awkwardness.
It helps get better at socializing and talking to people.
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If you work from home, schedule your interview during your lunch break to avoid interruptions.
This prevents others from bothering you during the interview.
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Use interviews as an exercise to gain insight into what you prefer doing, even if you do not intend to change jobs.
It provides clarity on professional preferences without the pressure of needing a new role.
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Seek jobs with minimal customer interaction if soft skills are a source of stress, specifying your preference during the search.
Non-customer-facing roles exist, and some retail interactions expect social contact without requiring deep social connection.
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resume, file, makes, resumes21
Name your resume file with your name, and optionally the job title or company, instead of using generic names like 'resume.pdf'.
Include page numbers and total page count (e.g., Page 1/3) on multi-page resumes.
This ensures the reader sees all pages and does not miss experience or knowledge.
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Submit both PDF and Word (.docx) versions of your resume.
Some systems cannot parse PDFs well, and sending both provides redundancy in case formatting issues arise in one format.
2 people, independently
- Submit your resume as a PDF file instead of a Word document.1
Keep a personal copy of your dissertation or final project to present to potential employers during interviews.
It can add to your chances of getting work.
- It may cost extra to obtain the copy.
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Name your resume file with your last name (e.g., 'lastname-resume.pdf') so recruiters can find it easily.
It makes it easier for recruiters to locate the file.
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- Name your resume file with your name, and optionally the job title or company, instead of using generic names like 'resume.pdf'.16
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Bold specific skills in your resume that correspond to requirements listed in the job ad.
It makes it easier for the reviewer to see that you meet the requirements.
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Submit your resume in the specific file format requested by the employer.
Ignoring basic application instructions nearly ensures your candidacy is rejected immediately.
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Avoid fancy templates, complex multi-column layouts, tables, or diagrams, as these can break ATS parsers and prevent recruiters from seeing your resume.
ATS systems struggle to parse complex visual elements, whereas simple text is read reliably.
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Use proper spelling and grammar in your resume and cover letter.
Using informal abbreviations like 'u' for 'you' or lowercase 'i' suggests you do not care about the application.
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Omit your home address from your resume.
Employers might use your location to offer a lower salary, which is especially relevant in remote-first roles.
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Include your school name, major, and target position in your LinkedIn headline to improve search visibility.
This puts you higher in search results, especially if your school is well-regarded in your industry.
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Update your saved job description document every couple of months with new assignments and learned skills.
It makes future resume updates easier.
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Fill out every field on a physical job application completely; never write 'see attached' for resume details.
The application goes to head office and may be discarded if not fully filled out.
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Use spaces instead of tabs and hyphens instead of bullet points in your resume to ensure readability if formatting is stripped by automated systems.
This keeps the document looking decent even when stripped.
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Keep your resume concise and not overly dense to increase the likelihood that it will be read thoroughly.
Longer and denser resumes are less likely to be read completely.
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Consider submitting Word documents if preferred by recruiters, as they help with information extraction and editing.
Recruiters may use software to extract contact info, reformat resumes to highlight relevant skills, or remove contact details to prevent direct contact with hiring companies.
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List previous experience above education on your resume, unless you are a recent college graduate.
Previous experience is typically far more important than education for most roles.
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Bring a physical resume to the interview even if instructed not to, but do not offer it unless asked.
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Upgrade the aesthetic of your resume by adding icons for contact details to improve its professional look.
One person reported great responses after upgrading their resume's aesthetic.
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Use professional headshots and optimized LinkedIn profiles for white-collar job searches.
Professional headshots are considered a bare minimum now.
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pdf, word, printing, text14
Embed fonts in your PDF so recipients can view them even if they do not have the font installed.
Export your resume as a PDF directly from the software where you created it (e.g., Word, Google Docs) to avoid issues.
It is very rare to have problems if exported from the original source.
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Verify that text in your PDF resume can be selected and copied; if not, save as PDF rather than printing to PDF.
If you cannot copy text, the parsing program likely cannot either.
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If you must submit a Word document, copy all text into a new blank document before saving to remove edit history.
This prevents anyone from viewing the edit history of the original file.
- Check pagination after pasting, as margins may differ.
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Convert your resume to PDF format before emailing it.
To preserve the document's formatting so it does not change.
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Create high-quality PDFs from Word documents using 'Save As', 'Export As', or 'Print to PDF'.
These methods produce great-looking results.
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Be aware that some recipients may reject PDF attachments due to perceived virus risks.
Some view PDFs as a dangerous game or an open invitation for viruses.
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Keep resume formatting simple to prevent text from becoming garbled when Applicant Tracking Systems convert files to HTML.
ATS software often converts uploaded files to HTML, which can result in jumbled text.
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Embed fonts in your PDF so recipients can view them even if they do not have the font installed.
Without embedding, the system replaces missing typefaces with substitutes.
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Submit files as PDFs if the receiving system uses automated tools for bulk operations like scraping and printing, as these tools may only process PDFs.
Automated tools used for tasks like grading homework submissions may fail to process non-PDF files.
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Inspect Word documents to remove metadata such as author names if you used a template or service.
File properties may list the original creator/author of the template.
3 people, independently
Verify that your PDF displays correctly after conversion to avoid garbled text.
One person reported losing replies because Word garbled text during conversion.
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Ensure your computer is free of viruses before sending attachments for job applications, especially if using a public computer.
Infected files may cause delivery failures or harm the recipient.
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Print job descriptions to PDF rather than just taking screenshots, as this reliable method has prevented loss of information in past experiences.
Printing to PDF has saved users numerous times from losing information.
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Avoid opening Word documents in Google Docs if you need to preserve functionality like auto-references.
Google Docs does not start some Word functionality, causing references to stop linking.
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Visit business parks in person to jot down company names for direct applications, especially in tech or clustered industries.
This approach works wonders for finding tech companies.
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Network to build professional acquaintances outside your family and friend circle.
Professional recommendations carry more weight than personal ones.
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If you live in a different location than the job, state your relocation plans in your cover letter to prevent it from being a roadblock.
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Look up the target city's chamber of commerce website when relocating.
It provides listings of local businesses and information about the area, including cost of living.
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